Goose Hunters can Assist Hungry Families During August Management Take
OutdoorHub 08.04.11
PIERRE, S.D. – In an effort to reduce the growing population of resident Canada geese, South Dakota residents will again have an August Canada Goose Management Take season from Aug. 13-28.
With an estimated 227,000 resident Canada geese counted by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) in 2011, goose hunting opportunities should be plentiful across much of the state.
During the August Management Take only, goose hunters will have the opportunity to donate harvested Canada geese to help feed needy families across South Dakota through the South Dakota Sportsmen Against Hunger (SAH). Several meat processors, SAH, USFWS, and South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks have worked together to develop the program to allow the donation of Canada geese.
“Working together we have enhanced the current donation program offered by SAH to include Canada geese,” said Tony Leif, Wildlife Division Director. “Waterfowl hunters can perform an integral role in supporting local food pantries, while at the same time assist in the management of resident Canada goose populations.”
“Many hunters are familiar with the South Dakota Sportsmen Against Hunger and the method by which the donation and costs are covered by SAH through the participating meat processors,” said Ron Fowler of SAH. “Hunters can simply deliver Canada geese to one of approximately 15 participating processors, fill out the certificate to cover the costs of the processing, and know their contribution will put food on the table for needy families”.
South Dakota is taking a proactive approach to add another tool for the management of Canada geese and their growing populations.
“While it took some creative thinking in developing this “first of its kind” program for migratory birds, South Dakota and the Fish and Wildlife Service collectively developed a a common sense approach that will be simple for all those involved and still meet the federal regulations for migratory birds,” said Steve Oberholtzer, Special Agent in Charge of the USFWS. “South Dakota has developed a program that we hope will help address the growing population of resident Canada geese through hunters while utilizing the resource to help those in need”.
To learn more on donating Canada geese during the August Management Take and the location of participating meat processors, hunters can visit http://www.feedtheneedsd.com.
